I am definitely on a Mediterranean food kick. I mean who can resist such delicious, healthy, flavorful food? Certainly not me. Today I am sharing a recipe for Greek Meatball and Tzatziki Rice Bowls. I LOVE this meal because it’s got everything: protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and a ton of flavor. It’s easy to make too. I think you’re going to love it.
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Greek Meatball and Tzatziki Rice Bowls:
Greek meatballs (also called Keftedes) are simply fantastic. For this recipe I use ground beef, fresh herbs, dried spices, an egg and bread crumbs. I drizzle the meatballs with melted butter before popping them in the oven with cherry tomatoes. While they cook, I steam the rice and prep the Tzatziki. Each component of this meal is truly simple but it all comes together to make a colorful bowl of Greek deliciousness.
Let’s Talk Tzatziki Sauce:
Tzatziki sauce is a middle eastern dip or sauce usually comprised of Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon zest/juice, olive oil and sea salt. Some people add garlic and green herbs but I keep this tzatziki sauce simple because this bowl already has so much going on. This mild version of tzatziki is the perfect accompaniment for these flavorful meatballs. I like to use Persian cucumbers because the thin skin doesn’t need to be peeled and adds more color, but you can use an ordinary cucumber as well, just peel off that thicker skin before using.
Gorgeous isn’t it?
Put it All Together and Wow!
A delicious dinner in under 45 minutes!
Feel Like Adding a Salad?
If you want to round this fab meal out with a salad I recommend my Chopped Greek Salad!
What you need: I use a microplane to zest my citrus and grate garlic. As always you need a good knife
A delicious Greek Meal made in about 45 minuttes
Course:
dinner, Main Course
Cuisine:
Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword:
cauliflower rice bowl, Greek Meatballs, meatballs
Servings: 2 servings
For Meatballs:
-
1/2
cup
plain dried bread crumbs -
1/3
cup
water or milk -
1/2
cup
finely diced yellow onion -
1
small
egg -
2
small
cloves garlic, peeled and minced (or grated with microplane) -
3/4
teaspoon
dried oregano -
1
tablespoon
fresh mint leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish if desired) -
1/8
teaspoon
cayenne pepper - several pinches sea salt or kosher salt
-
1/2
teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper -
1
pound
ground beef -
1
tablespoon
olive oil -
5
tablespoons
melted butter -
1
cup
cherry tomatoes (added to pan 10 minutes after meatballs are placed in oven)
For Rice Bowl:
-
1
cup
rice, cooked to package instructions
For Tzatziki Sauce
-
1
cup
plain greek yogurt -
1/2
cup
Persian cucumber, diced (if using a regular cucumber, be sure to peel first) -
1
teaspoon
lemon zest (use a microplane) -
1
tablespoon
freshly squeezed lemon juice -
1
tablespoon
Extra Virgin olive oil - pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For Meatballs:
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees, place oven rack in center position
-
Mix together: water (or milk) and bread crumbs. Add onion, egg, garlic, oregano, mint, cayenne, salt and pepper, mix well. Add ground beef and mix until everything is well incorporated.
-
Use hands to form into 8 meatballs. Pour olive oil into oven safe pan or rimmed cookie sheet. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat pan. (I use cast iron because it really caramelizes the bottom of the meatballs:) Add meatballs to pan leaving a little space in between each meatball. Melt butter. Drizzle meatballs with melted butter.
-
Place in the oven for 25-27 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes to pan 10 minutes into cooking time. If you need a ten minute timer to remind you, set it! (I do every time)
While Meatballs and tomatoes cook, start rice and prepare Tzatziki Sauce:
-
Cook rice to package instructions.
For Tzatziki
-
In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, cucumber, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Set Aside.
Assembly:
-
When rice is done, place in two bowls, top with meatballs, and tomatoes. Garnish with mint or lemon wedges if desired. You can either use sauce for dipping or pour over meatballs. Enjoy!
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